VerifiedX and BitGo Sign Strategic Partnership to Provide vBTC Qualified Custody Services: Expanding the Non-Synthetic Bitcoin Ecosystem on the Base Network

On July 15, 2026, VerifiedX and BitGo announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide Qualified Custody services for vBTC. This partnership signals a fundamental shift in how institutional capital interacts with Bitcoin on Ethereum-compatible layers. By combining BitGo's regulated custody infrastructure with VerifiedX's Base network-based non-synthetic canonical Bitcoin, the goal is to resolve the long-standing tension between Bitcoin's inherent security and the utility of decentralized finance (DeFi).

This collaboration aims to create an environment where institutional investors can safely access Bitcoin's native utility while complying with fiduciary duties.

The MOU signed by both companies focuses on delivering qualified custody services to meet institutional requirements. Especially following regulatory changes throughout 2025 and 2026, a custody model that meets legal standards as well as secure asset storage has become an essential element for institutional investors. VerifiedX plans to support vBTC users in enjoying industry-leading security and regulatory compliance services through its collaboration with BitGo.

vBTC: Technical Differentiation of Non-Synthetic Canonical Assets

vBTC is characterized as a 'non-synthetic' asset, differentiating it from existing Wrapped Bitcoin assets. Beyond a simple tokenization model, it incorporates native Bitcoin redemption functionality and serves as a Bitcoin-dedicated sidechain and Reliever Chain through the VerifiedX network. This structure forms the foundation of an integrated financial operating system that supports tokenized self-custody, on-chain storage, and peer-to-peer commerce.

• Building confidential financial infrastructure using FROST privacy technology
• Vault Account security including time-lock and recovery features
• Shielded Transactions implemented while maintaining institutional-grade auditability
• Canonical asset status immediately supported under the vBTC.b ticker within the Base network

BitGo plays a key role as a qualified custodian in this partnership. As a public company listed in the Fortune 500 as of 2026, BitGo is a credible firm that has demonstrated rigorous security standards by completing SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II audits. Through BitGo's regulated infrastructure, institutional investors benefit from insurance coverage and the secure, segregated storage of assets, protecting them from theft or misuse.

In particular, with the repeal of the SAB 121 regulation and the implementation of SAB 122 in January 2025, the burden on banks and financial institutions to record customers' virtual assets on their balance sheets has been removed. This change in the regulatory environment has made the role of qualified custodians like BitGo even more critical, and the collaboration with VerifiedX is interpreted as a proactive measure in response to these market trends. Institutions can now participate in the Bitcoin ecosystem through vBTC while minimizing regulatory risks.

Combining the Base Network with Institutional DeFi

VerifiedX chose Base, Coinbase's Layer 2 network, as the primary stage for vBTC's activities. Base is gaining attention for its high liquidity and active DeFi ecosystem, and the immediate support for vBTC.b allows institutional users to utilize various financial services within Base while maintaining the value of Bitcoin. This is a strategic choice to simultaneously secure the reliability of a non-synthetic asset and the scalability of the Ethereum ecosystem.

In terms of security, FROST privacy technology and shielded transaction features have been introduced to ensure institutional-level confidentiality. This goes beyond simple asset movement to meet essential security requirements for payments and agent-based commerce. Furthermore, multi-layered security through vault accounts prevents the potential misuse of assets, and the system is fully equipped with transparent audit reports and disaster recovery procedures required by institutions.

Market experts believe this partnership will bring significant changes to the existing Bitcoin wrapper competition. The combination of a regulation-first custody model and non-synthetic assets is likely to accelerate the inflow of institutional capital that prioritizes reliability. As of July 2026, the virtual asset industry is prioritizing regulatory compliance and integration with traditional finance over simple technological innovation.

In the future, VerifiedX and BitGo plan to explore the possibility of expanding to networks other than Base, along with the full implementation of qualified custody services. Attention is focused on whether their attempts to expand the utility of native Bitcoin will lead to an actual increase in market share. The construction of institutional-grade Bitcoin financial infrastructure will be an important milestone as the digital asset market enters a period of maturity.